Beginning, Section II
Jump to new as of March 18, 2002
Lizzy was curled up the back booth of Pibbyn's sipping a huge chocolate-mint shake with her world history textbook propped in her lap. Lizzy often used Pibbyn's as a refuge from her crazy life. She was absorbed in the conquests of Alexander the Great when the bell above the entrance rang out. A few moments later someone slid into the bench across from her.
"Hello Lizzy James," George Wickham said softly with a lazy grin.
Lizzy started shocked that this handsome football star had even remembered her name.
She finally found the breath to respond, "Hello George Wickham".
"What are you doing? I hope I am not interrupting anything important."
"No, I was just reading for Klenger's history class. So how have you enjoyed your first few days at Hertfordshire High?"
"Very much," he quickly assured her. "It is a little awkward being new, but it will settle down. At least I came at the beginning of the year. I understand that the band has several new students this year as well." His eyebrows were slightly raised in enquiry.
"Yes. Charlie Bing, his sisters, Carol and Heather, Heather's boyfriend, Heath Hurst, and then Will Darcy." Lizzy watched closely to see if Wickham would react to the mention of Will Darcy's name. Wickham did not disappoint her. His brown wrinkled in consternation.
"Do you know Will Darcy very well?" George continued cautiously.
"No, I only met him at band camp. He is supposed to be quite a talented trumpet player."
"Yes, he is an excellent musician. I have heard him play many times. In fact, I have known him for a long time."
Lizzy eyes opened in shock and she felt her jaw slightly drop. Wickham took this as a sign to continue and he didn't hesitate.
"I know that you are surprised, Lizzy, but I know that you saw the looks that we shot each other in the Commons yesterday."
"I confess that I did notice the dirty looks and they DID made me curious," Lizzy admitted.
"Have you had a chance to get to know Darcy?" Wickham questioned.
"As much as I ever want to know him. I met him two weeks ago, but I already think he is extremely arrogant and stuck up."
"I am glad to hear you say that, but most people like Darcy."
"You are wrong, George. He has not made many friends at Hertfordshire and he has hurt and insulted tons of people with his cruel comments and unbelievable pride!" Lizzy argued.
"I feel bad for the people who have been hurt, but I am not sorry for Darcy. Normally, Will Darcy is automatically loved and worshipped for his talent and money, or he just frightens people with his bad attitude and unfriendly personality. People rarely see Will Darcy as what he truly is."
"Please excuse me for being pushy, but how do you know Will Darcy?" Lizzy queried.
Wickham took a deep breath and began his story. "Darcy and I grew up together across the street from each other and our families were extremely close. Will's father died when he was eleven and our friendship grew even stronger as I helped Will through this tough time. The summer before eighth grade my father was transferred out of state and my family forced to move. I hated the idea of leaving all of my friends, so I begged my father to allow me to stay behind. The Darcy's agreed to let me live with them for a year. The plan was that I would finish junior high and then join my family to start high school in Pennsylvania. At first, the arrangement worked out great. I felt comfortable in my adopted household and I grew even closer to Mrs. Darcy and Georgie. In fact, Mrs. Darcy loved to spoil me and Georgie followed me everywhere. Will grew very jealous that I was distracting them from paying attention to him. Our friendship became strained and we barely talked at all. My best friend had turned into a stranger. Finally, Darcy demanded that I leave. Mrs. Darcy regretfully consented because she was afraid that if she refused Will would run away or move out. Mrs. Darcy had always been a very sweet and compliant woman and she found herself unable to say no to her son. Three days later I was on a plane headed toward Pennsylvania."
At this point George's voice became choked with emotion Lizzy saw tear in his eyes. Lizzy felt her heart break for George and she wanted to do something to help. Lizzy knew that boys hate to cry and that he was probably embarrassed so she turned away as George collected himself.
"I hate Will Darcy! What a horrible, cruel thing to do especially to his best friend!" Lizzy thought.
George continued with his story.
"I was forced to leave and I had no time to say goodbye to any of my friends. Needless to say, I was pretty depressed and my grades suffered. I did not adjust well and hated living in Pennsylvania. During my freshman year in high school, my father pushed me to try out for the football team. I was shocked to make the varsity squad, but being part of the team pulled me out of my depression and I began to make friends again. Then this summer my father was able to move back here again with his job. See, things have turned out just fine. Please, don't feel sorry for me Lizzy."
George sniffed and finished with a smile as he reached for Lizzy's hand, but Lizzy was too upset for handholding.
"I didn't think that Will Darcy was that cruel! How could he betray you like that? You were best friends?" Lizzy shook her head in disgust. She felt terrible that this huge football player was almost in tears. Lizzy was fumbling in her purse to fins a Kleenex for George when another thought entered her head.
"Poor Charlie. He cannot know Will's true personality," Lizzy reasoned.
"Probably not," Wickham agreed, "Will can be friendly and nice when he wants to be and it pays off."
"How can you talk about this so calmly? You must be furious! I would be!"
"I have had time to adjust to the situation. Besides, Will is not completely bad."
"Is Georgie like her older brother?"
"Well, I told you that we were very close, but when it came down to it she sided with her brother. I think she was probably scared away from me. I must admit that her rejection hurt me just as deeply as Will's did.
Lizzy was so intent on what Wickham had just finished telling her that she didn't hear the bell signal the arrival of another person. However, Wickham watched Wayne Collins check out Lizzy and then strut to the cash register to order.
"I understand that Collins, the new guard member, is taking private lessons from Cathleen DeBree," Wickham observed.
"Yes. That is correct and he raves about her constantly," Lizzy grumbled and rolled her eyes.
"That is quite amusing," Wickham chuckled. "Ms. DeBree is Will Darcy's aunt you know."
"I didn't know that! The famous Ms. DeBree!"
"Yes indeed! If Will and her daughter, Ann, had been born about two hundred years ago they would have had an arranged marriage. That visual image of the two of them together at the altar never fails to make me laugh."
Lizzy joined in his laughter and smiled brightly at the handsome guy across the table. "I have never liked a football player so much!" Lizzy mused. The pleasant meeting was interrupted by Wayne Collins who slid into the booth beside Lizzy and immediately began a monologue on Cathleen DeBree. Lizzy shifted as far away from Wayne as the booth allowed and braced herself for a long wait.
"Hello," Jane voice said sweetly.
"Hey, Jane. This is Lizzy. Do you have time to talk?"
"Of course, I always have time to talk to you. What's wrong? You sound upset."
"I ran into George Wickham at Pibbyn's this afternoon and he told me some news that has me upset and unsure."
"Okay, I'm listening," Jane assured her friend.
The whole story poured out at a very rapid pace. Jane was forced to ask quite a few questions to understand Lizzy's convoluted and irate account.
"Jane, what am I going to do?" Lizzy finished with a moan.
"Maybe the whole thing was a big misunderstanding that can be fixed," Jane suggested hopefully.
Lizzy managed to laugh lightly at Jane's suggestion. "That would be ideal, but it is highly unlikely. Someone must be responsible!"
"Fine. Mock me, but Lizzy think of how mean and selfish Will Darcy must be if it is really true. I can't believe that Will would purposely hurt his best friend like that. Why would Charlie even be Will's friend? I still think that there must be some kind of communication problem or horrible misunderstanding."
"Charlie would be nice to anyone! Why would George Wickham make up such a huge elaborate lie? He was very open and sincere in his feelings. Jane, he even cried in front of me! If Wickham is lying than Will Darcy can come out and contradict him. However, I think the Wickham was telling the truth!"
"It is a tough situation, Lizzy. I don't know what to think."
"Excuse me, but I know exactly what to think!"
"Lizzy, you are upset and angry. Why don't you relax and we can talk about this calmly tomorrow. You called me for advice, but you aren't even listening to me. I don't want the two of us to fight about this. Ok?"
"I am sorry, Jane. I just needed to vent. It isn't your fault and I took my frustrations out on you. Thanks for being such a good friend. I'll see you before school in the band room. Have a good night."
"Bye, Lizzy."
Lizzy turned off the phone and flopped back on her bed to replay her conversation with George Wickham in her head.
An hour later when she was called down to dinner, Lizzy's opinion on the dilemma was unchanged. Will Darcy was guilty. In Lizzy's mind, it was just that simple.
Lizzy and Jane never did discuss the Wickham and Darcy issue again because life at Hertfordshire High became absolute chaos. The massive distraction began when the posters for the homecoming dance went up. Suddenly all other topics of conversation were banned. For two weeks, life was the dance. The name of your date, the color of your dress, and your dinner reservation were suddenly vital and life changing pieces of information. Couples became even clingier and singles felt even lonelier. Desperate souls began to scan the faces around them for a prospective date. It was thrilling to be part of it all, but miserable to be left out.
Bob Bennet and Connie Garrett had both agreed to chaperon the dance. Connie had jumped at the chance and had practically forced Bennet to sign-up. Bob Bennet hated Homecoming week. It distracted the students. Either they were floating on cloud nine or they were trudging through the pits of ultimate despair. On top of that, he had to organize the band to play at the pep rally. He hated pep rallies with a vengeance. No one ever listened to the band anyway. The students were to busy screaming, crowd surfing, and throwing fish at the freshmen section to even hear the school fight song. The only benefit of Homecoming Week was the practice run through of the show during half time at the football game. The run through would the band a chance to perform in front of a crowd before the county competition. Homecoming should be abolished.
Mary Todd despised Homecoming and planned to spend the evening alone with Machiavelli, a pint of Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream, and her greyhound, Toby. That was paradise to Mary.
Wayne Collins was going to the dance to promote his quest for a girlfriend. He was still determined to have Elizabeth James fill this position. Collins detested the name Lizzy and preferred to refer to his future girlfriend with the moral formal Elizabeth. Collins hoped that the romantic atmosphere of the dance would induce Elizabeth to dance with him. Now if he could only learn to dance in less than a week everything would be perfect.
Lydia and Kitty were bursting with enthusiastic anticipation. They were going to the dance with a large group of friends (mainly girls). They were not ashamed of going stag because that meant that they would be free to hit on ALL of the guys. However, Lydia had her eyes on one particular football player.
Carol was obsessed with her plans for the dance. She had four appointments for her hair, nails, massage, and make-up. She had purchased a designer dress with a matching wrap. Even her shoes and handbag had been dyed to match her ensemble. It was a lengthy and exhausting process to prepare for such a major event. No detail was too small to be overlooked. All of her effort would pay off. After Saturday night Will Darcy would be madly in love with her! At least, that is what Carol hoped.
Will Darcy was only going to the dance to get Bing to shut up. Charlie just wouldn't leave him alone. Will knew that he would just spend the evening trying to hide from Carol. Will could only think of one consolation. He could spend the three hours in the undisturbed observation of Lizzy James.
Carrie Lyons waited hopefully for someone to ask her to the dance. She was a nice and pretty girl, yet she had never gone to a dance. However, this year she was determined to go with or without a date. Nothing was going to stop Carrie Lyons from going to the Homecoming Dance.
Lizzy James was feeling remarkably apathetic toward the dance. At least, that is what she told everyone. Since her encounter with George Wickham, Lizzy had resolutely avoided acknowledging that Will Darcy even existed on the face of the planet. She had also found herself admiring George Wickham more as the days passed. She scolded herself for developing a stupid crush on a football player, but her feelings persisted. Lizzy decided to go to the dance to hang out with her friends and to enjoy herself. However in the back of her mind, she hoped that George Wickham would be there and that he would ask her dance. This hope refused to be squashed or banished by her internal scolding.
Jane suspected Lizzy's crush on George Wickham, but was simply too distracted to discuss the issue with her friend. Charlie Bing demanded much of Jane's attention lately. Charlie had shyly asked Jane to be his date for the dance. Jane blushed until she looked like a tomato, but happily accepted Bing's invitation. Jane's mind and heart were in turmoil with nervousness and expectation at the approaching dance.
Homecoming was coming. Ready or not?
Will Darcy leaned against the vending machine that exclusively peddled Pepsi products and heaved a deep sigh. He had immediately taken up this position after arriving at the dance about fifteen minutes ago. It was an ideal spot. It was dark, hidden in a corner, and no one could approach him without his knowledge. "Yes, an ideal spot for avoiding Carol!" Will congratulated himself happily. "And also a wonderful spot for the subtle, but intense observation of Lizzy James." Will pulled at his tie and shifted his right leg that had fallen asleep. He longed to be at home sprawled across his bed watching his favorite movie, "The Patriot", but he had promised Charlie that he would come and Will never broke his word. A pair of giggling girls walked by and brazenly checked him out. "Mindless females!" Will growled under his breath. Will was busy counting the things he hated about Hertfordshire High when his head jerked to attention and the air whooshed out of his lungs. Lizzy James was standing at the top of the stairs! She looked absolutely beautiful! Her curls had been swept up in a cascading ponytail, but a few wispy pieces were left loose to frame her face. Her eyes looked luminous and her face was lightly flushed from the warmth of the air. Her simple green princess line dress was suspended on narrow straps. Silver jewelry hung from her ears, her right wrist, and around her neck. The emerald fabric smoothly enveloped her slender curves and fell to the floor. Will's eyes followed her legs and finally halted at the strappy black sandals that stretched over her varnished toes. She was moving slowly and cautiously, but energy still seemed to radiate from her eyes and form. Will's gaze remained locked on Lizzy until the crowd at the base of the stairs surrounded her. Will took a deep breath and was forced to leave his peaceful refuge in search of a cool drink.
Having reached the ground in safety, Lizzy immediately headed towards the entrance to the music hallway. It was tradition that the band members would gather here to enjoy the dance. Lizzy was struggling to navigate through the masses of people when she felt a light touch on her shoulder. She turned and was surprised to see Mark Denny behind her.
"Hello Mark," Lizzy smiled and looked at Mark with a question in her eyes.
"Hello Lizzy," Denny correctly interpreted Lizzy's expression. "You look hot tonight. Wickham wanted me to tell you that he was sorry that he couldn't come tonight."
Immediately Lizzy felt her heart crash to her toes.
"That's too bad." Lizzy said quietly. Denny observed that the sparkle in her eyes was dampened with her obvious disappointment.
"Yes, It is, but I think he was trying to avoid causing a scene." Denny cast a dark glare over her shoulder toward the drinking fountain where Will Darcy was now standing.
Lizzy followed Denny's gaze and could just see the top of Will's head above the swarm of people. Lizzy was shocked to find that Will had even come to the dance. "Probably Charlie's influence," Lizzy guessed correctly.
Lizzy's gaze returned to Denny when Lydia came up, planted a kiss on Denny's cheek, and physically dragged him to the dance floor.
"Goodbye Lizzy. It looks like I am going to dance." Denny called out as Lydia wrapped herself in his embrace.
Lizzy was disgusted and ashamed by Lydia's behavior, but Denny looked hilarious with a fuchsia lipstick smudge adorning his cheek. Lizzy shook her head and resumed her slow progress toward the music hallway.
Lizzy finally reached the double doors to the music hallway and had just nodded her hello to Mr. Bennet and Connie Garrett when she heard the sound of someone clearing their throat to her left. Lizzy turned politely and saw Wayne Collins leering at her. Collins was decked out in a paisley bow tie and plaid sweater vest. His slacks were wrinkled and his left shoe was untied.
"Ms. Elizabeth James," he began his syrupy sweet voice, "you look positively ravishing this evening. I am quite enraptured."
Wayne cast a nervous glance at Connie for reassurance. Connie encouraged him with a gesture and Lizzy was filled with an overwhelming sense of impending doom.
"Would you do me the surreal honor of permitting me to be your partner for the following two musical selections, my fair, Elizabeth?" Collins simpered sickeningly.
Lizzy forced back her shudder of revulsion. How had he managed to turn a simple question into twenty-three-word sentence? She was cornered with no way out! She longed to tell Wayne off. No one, but no one called her Elizabeth without her permission! Lizzy's mind raced to think of a way to refuse Collins, but then she saw Connie Garrett's gleeful smile and gave up hope. Connie Garrett was determined that Lizzy and Wayne were going to be a couple. Refusing to dance with Collins would just make Connie more determined in her matchmaking. Lizzy nodded her head in sorrowful defeat. Wayne eagerly clutched her delicate hand in his flabby, sweaty one so she couldn't escape. Lizzy immediately felt like hurling her guts.
The DJ began to play the traditional dance tune, "Electric Slide". Lizzy immediately loved the man! She wouldn't have to come in physical contact with Wayne! Wayne did not recognize the tune and tried to pull Lizzy into his arms. Lizzy reacted quickly and pushed away.
"Collins! This is a line dance!" Lizzy stated shortly.
"Oh! A thousand apologies my charming Elizabeth. I am mortified."
"Just dance, Collins." Lizzy ordered.
It became evident quite quickly that Wayne Collins did not know how to dance the Electric Slide. Lizzy would have enjoyed chuckling at his clumsy crashes and collisions if she had merely been watching and not his partner. Lizzy rotated a quarter turn, scuffed her right foot, and repeated the step pattern again. Wayne missed the turn and ran directly into the chest of Courtney Brink, the head cheerleader. Wayne immediately halted to apologize profusely and initiated a domino effect that cascaded down the row of dancers behind him.
"This way Collins," Lizzy called out. Wayne turned and followed the voice of his beloved Elizabeth.
It was at this point that Lizzy heard a low rumble of chuckling coming from the general direction of the pop machine. Lizzy's eyes flashed in anger. Someone was laughing at her and her predicament! It wasn't her fault! Lizzy executed another quarter turn and scuff combination while her eyes sharply probed the figure in the shadows beside the Pepsi machine. It was Will Darcy!
After his drink, Will had seen Carol heading in his general direction. She was wearing some skimpy orange shimmery creation. She located him immediately and Will was forced to retreat back to his sanctuary in the shadows. Will pressed him body back against the wall and prayed that Carol wouldn't find him. He held perfectly still until he saw her pass by completely mystified as to where he had gone. Will rejoiced in his successful hiding place! Will's spot also gave him a commanding view of the floor. He had watched in horrified amusement as Collins asked Lizzy to dance. It was remarkably entertaining! For the first time, William Thomas Darcy was enjoying himself at a dance!
When Collins crashed directly into a well-endowed female, Will let his laughter free. He just couldn't help himself. Then the dancers turned and Will met Lizzy's eyes. She shot him a look that didn't need an explanation. The expression in her eyes was murderous. Will halted his laughing immediately and his grin vanished, but he didn't break eye contact. Lizzy keep moving in the dance steps, but their gazes remained locked. They were having a staring contest in the middle of the dance. The prizes were respect and the simple thrill of victory. Will was thoroughly enjoying himself.
Lizzy attacked Will with her best "I am going to kill you" look. Normally, it worked on guys, but Will stared back without flinching. "Well, at least I got him to stop laughing," she thought. Lizzy kept her eyes fixed on Will's. She stubbornly refused to lose this silent battle. Lizzy inspected her adversary. "He looks good," she grudgingly admitted, "really good!" He was wearing a classic charcoal suit and his burgundy tie hung a little crookedly which only added to his charm. Lizzy longed to walk over and straighten it for him. "Whoa girl! This is Will! Will Darcy! You hate the guy! Remember that! Remember what he did to Wickham!" Lizzy silently reprimanded herself. Lizzy was relieved when it came time to turn. Lizzy gratefully extracted her eyes from Will's steady gaze and concentrated on the dance steps.
Finally, the song ended. Collins came to her side panting and wiping the sweat off his forehead with the back of his sleeve. The only positive aspect of his condition was that he couldn't talk because he was short of breath. A slow song came on and Lizzy changed her mind and rashly decided that she hated the DJ. Lizzy cringed as Collins clasped her hand again and pulled her into a very formal dance position. Wayne's stance was stiff and he kept his eyes on his feet as they moved in a very tight circle. Lizzy almost cried out in pain when Wayne stomped heavily on her foot. This was pure torture. The feeling of Wayne's hands on her hand and back just creeped her out! Collin's tried to pull her closer, but Lizzy pulled back just as hard. Lizzy lost count how many times her feet were mashed by Wayne's plodding steps. She tried to pass the time by watching the other dancers beyond Wayne's shoulder. Lizzy was occupying herself this way when she saw two dark eyes peering at her out of the darkness. She could feel Will's eyes on her and found his attention disconcerting. However, Collins reclaimed her attention when his hands began wandering from their appropriate positions. Lizzy restrained him and paid diligent attention to the hands of her partner for the remainder of the song.
When the song ended, Lizzy turned away from Collins and limped to a chair against the wall to nurse her wounded feet. Lizzy collapsed in the chair, slipped off her shoes, and rubbed her tender feet. Lizzy saw a pair of black flats enter her field of view and she looked up to find that Carrie Lyons had joined her.
"How are you doing Lizzy?"
"Fine, if I can just revive my feet again."
"Yes, I saw you with Collins. He isn't a very good dancer is he?"
"That's the understatement of the year!" Lizzy snorted.
"Bing and Jane make a very cute couple? Has he asked her out yet?" Carrie pushed.
"I don't think so."
"Well, maybe Jane should ask him out," Carrie suggested.
"Surely you don't mean that, Carrie?" Lizzy giggled apprehensively.
"Why not? It is a new millennium."
"Well, I don't think that is Jane's style."
"So what about you and Will Darcy? Any sparks there?"
"Are you crazy! I hate him more than ever. Wait until you hear what I heard about him!" Lizzy quickly launched into Wickham's story. Lizzy rushed on and then finally finished with a gasp.
"Are you sure that it is true?"
"Of course, it's true Carrie! Will Darcy bragged to me himself about his arrogance and temper. I am.....," Lizzy's voice trailed off when Carrie shot her a look.
Will Darcy was standing directly in front of her peering down with those relentless brown eyes.
"Would you dance with me, Lizzy?" Will asked crisply.
Lizzy's mind was completely blank. Before she could gather the few thoughts that were scattering away she mumbled, "yes".
Will turned and strode away.
Lizzy's mind and tongue rapidly recovered. "Why could I not refuse?" she asked angrily.
"I bet he is a great dancer and if not he certainly is hot!" Connie observed.
"Shut up, Carrie! I wouldn't care if he were a Tom Cruise look-a-like! I would still hate him!" Lizzy leaned over and slipped her shoes back on. She stood up, straightened her dress, and waited for the next song to begin.
Will approached Lizzy, gently took her hand, and guided her to an open area. Lizzy was surprised when a small shiver of surprise ran down her spine in response to Will's touch. Compared to Wayne's slimy hand, Will's warm, dry grip was paradise! Lizzy quickly squashed that line of thought. Lizzy groaned audibly when the speakers began playing "When You Fall In Love". Will noticed the song as well and sent her a tiny smirk of amusement! Lizzy scowled back at him. Reaching the floor, Will pulled Lizzy into his arms and held her comfortably. He led with confidence and smoothly swept Lizzy along the floor. Lizzy found herself struggling to remember that she thought Will was detestable.
Will was thrilled to be holding Lizzy in his arms as they swayed in time with the music. She was even more beautiful close up and her body naturally responded to his lead. Yes, Will was very happy indeed.
They danced in silence. Lizzy began to feel awkward and decided that she must say something. Besides, Will always made her angry when he spoke and maybe conversation would banish the puzzling sensations she was feeling. Will, on the other hand, was content in his silent dream world. Finally, Lizzy gathered the courage to speak.
"This is a beautiful melody," Lizzy observed.
Will was unsure of how to respond so he remained mute.
"It is your turn to talk now, Will," Lizzy prompted. "I mentioned the song. You might talk about how may people showed up."
Will smiled and said, "I will say whatever you want me to, Lizzy."
"That will work for now. I will respond with how I prefer Homecoming to the Sweethearts Dance and then we can be quiet again."
"Do you always talk when you dance?"
"Sometimes it is better. People won't give us weird looks this way. We may also manage to have a conversation without fighting!" Lizzy retorted pertly. Yes, all her dislike for Will Darcy was coming back!
"Is that what you want or is what you THINK I want?" Will reflected that he genuinely enjoyed their verbal battles.
"Both, I expect. We are both quiet and antisocial people. We don't like to speak unless we have something remarkable to say that will make everyone stare in awe."
"That is not how I see you, Lizzy. I hope that I am not like that, but obviously you have decided that I am."
It was silent again for a few minutes.
"Do you always eat lunch in the Commons?" Will asked.
"Yes, everyday," Lizzy replied. "When you and Charlie joined us last week we had just met a new student."
Lizzy watched Will's face for a reaction. His jaw clenched and his grip tightened slightly, but his dancing didn't falter.
"George Wickham makes friends very easily, but he finds it harder to keep them."
"Yes, he lost your friendship and it dramatically changed his life."
Darcy longed to avoid this subject and was secretly relieved when Bill Lucas walked over to talk to them.
"I am so happy to see the two of you dancing together. It is excellent for band unity! You two will be great friends especially when you spend more time together when your two friends hook up!" Bill glanced over at Jane and Bing who were dancing happily completely oblivious to anyone else in the room. "Won't they make a splendid band couple? Well, I will let you get back to the dance. By the way, you guys make a cute couple yourselves!" Bill smiled like the condescending senior he was, turned, and practically bounced away.
Will studied Bing and Jane and he began to think about their relationship. "Not now Darcy," he thought and returned his focus to Lizzy.
"What were we talking about when Bill came up?" Will asked.
"We weren't talking," Lizzy replied shortly. "We have nothing to say to each other and nothing in common to talk about. Let's just stay quiet."
"But I thought you liked to talk when you are dancing," Will mocked.
Lizzy was tempted to stick her tongue out at him, but she refrained.
"How about movies? That is a fairly neutral topic. We should be able to talk about that without throwing any punches at each other." Will suggested.
"I doubt that we like the same ones".
"Well, then we can argue about our different opinions. That is more fun anyway!"
"No, I can't talk about movies when I am trying to dance because my mind wanders. However, I do have another subject! You once said that you have a terrible temper and that you never forgive anyone! You ARE careful about whom you get really angry at?" Lizzy waited anxiously for his response.
"I am."
"And you are never selfish or arrogant when deciding that?"
"I hope not. What are all these questions for?" Will demanded.
"I just want to know who the real Will Darcy is." Lizzy smiled disarmingly.
"And do you think that you know who the real Will Darcy is?"
"No. I hear so many different things that I get quite mixed up." Lizzy sighed.
"I am not surprised. Perhaps you should wait before you make any definite conclusions about my character," Will suggested.
"But I may never have another chance."
"I doubt that......., but I wouldn't want to keep you from being happy."
A few seconds later the music stopped and Will returned Lizzy to her chair.
Lizzy plopped down and glared passionately at Will Darcy's retreating back!
Jane was having the time of her life at the dance. Charlie Bing was so handsome and polite! They had danced every dance! Charlie had even held her hand! Life was great. Well, at least it was until Jane saw Lizzy sitting in chair by the wall. Her friend was obviously furious. Jane could practically see smoke coming from Lizzy's ears. "This is a bad sign," Jane thought. "Only one person can possibly make Lizzy that mad!" Jane regretfully excused herself from Charlie and went to console her friend. Unfortunately, Carol Bing beat Jane to Lizzy's side.
"Lizzy James! I hear you have a huge crush on George Wickham! Jane was talking to me about him and asking tons of questions. Wasn't I clever to figure out that you like him? Don't even try to deny it?" Carol crowed with laughter.
"I have no wish to deny it!"
"You do know that he is a football player? Don't you? Surely, you aren't thinking of dating a jock? Now don't believe everything that he tells you, Lizzy. We both know that all males lie and football players tend to be worst about it. Brawn without brains, you know. Besides, I have heard rumors about George Wickham's past relationships and drinking habits. Something with my Will actually... I don't know all the details, but really, a football player?"
"So he is a liar because he is a guy and he is stupid because he is a football player. Is that how you judge guys, Carol? Do you even get to know them before passing judgment? I don't believe that George Wickham is your typical football player, but I suppose that I should expect this kind of response from someone as shallow as you are!" Lizzy voice increased in volume throughout her response.
"Excuse me! I was just trying to help!" Carol practically screamed and stormed off once again searching the room for Will to complain about Lizzy James. "Will will understand!" Carol fumed.
Jane had overheard the end of the conversation between Lizzy and Carol and was not happy to see the scene they had caused. Her best friend and Charlie's sister fighting! Would this cause problems for her and Bing? Jane hoped not and then scolded herself for being selfish.
"Lizzy, what happened?" Jane asked calmly.
"Carol is a stuck-up snob! She is spreading rumors about George Wickham and I! Has Charlie said anything to you?"
"No. We have been a little busy and the subject just hasn't really come up."
"Does Bing know Wickham?"
"Charlie didn't meet Wickham until the other day at lunch, but he isn't sure that you should trust him," Jane said cautiously.
"Well, if Charlie doesn't know George than he is getting his information from Will Darcy! That arrogant jerk! I like Charlie, Jane, but I hate his friend! I will just try to think of them both as I did before tonight! I wish I could start this day over again or maybe just skip it! Why don't you go back to Charlie, Jane?" I will be fine."
Jane happily returned to her date and they began to dance again. However, they were under intense scrutiny from Will Darcy.
Will was sick of the dance and was counting the minutes until it ended. The highlights of the evening had been dancing with Lizzy and successfully avoiding Carol. The rest of the dance had been bust. He didn't really know anyone that he could talk to. Charlie was still busy with Jane and hadn't even bothered to say hello. Will was too shy and nervous to introduce himself to anyone, so he stayed safely hidden.
He hated Hertfordshire High. Why couldn't he have stayed at Netherfield where he knew everyone already? It was too hard to make new friends in the middle of high school. Will knew that the move had been necessary to protect Georgie, but it sure did screw up his life. He was all alone. Will envied the way Charlie made friends so easily. Heck, Charlie almost already had a girlfriend.
Will studied the expression on Jane Wilson's face. She was beautiful, but did she really like Bing. Was she just so desperate to go out with someone that she was settling for his friend? After all, they talked about everything. Will decided that he needed to talk to Charlie about Jane and their blossoming relationship. He hoped that it work out okay. Maybe Charlie and Jane could even give him some tips on how to get along with the fascinating Lizzy Bennet!